Grocery Costs Snapshot: Produce Softens, Proteins Mixed Overall

Expect modest relief on several produce lines, mixed protein trends into holiday buying, and softer veg-oil costs — a good week to sharpen forward buys selectively.

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NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Seasonal shifts and supply quirks are tugging wholesale food costs in different directions — easing some fresh categories while keeping key proteins choppy. For produce buyers, several salad-bar staples are cheaper, helping menus and retail ads, while a few holiday-leaning items are tightening.

Leafy items are split — romaine and green leaf up on Salinas disease pressure, but iceberg down on added Huron supply. Broccoli and cauliflower fell sharply as earlier highs cooled demand; tomatoes (rounds, romas, grapes) trended lower. Red bells firmed; cucumbers, celery, and green beans moved higher. Potatoes and onions were steady, primarily to mixed; pears eased while several apple varieties gained. Avocados were mixed; citrus leaned softer (limes, early navels, lemons).

Beef grinds continued higher; strips and tenderloins firmed with ribs starting a holiday climb, while briskets and many chucks softened. Pork was mixed — loins and butts easing, tenders rallying, bellies ticking up, hams slightly lower. Chicken saw jumbo breast up, wings flat, thighs down; turkey breasts edged higher. Seafood was steady to firm for domestic shrimp, while imported shrimp rose on tariffs; Alaska snow crab quota nearly doubled. Edible oils weakened (soy), canola held modestly firmer, and palm slid; sugar offers stayed firm despite multi-year lows in global futures. Butter prices fell; shell eggs rose on HPAI headlines.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Expect modest relief on several produce lines, mixed protein trends into holiday buying, and softer veg-oil costs — a good week to sharpen forward buys selectively.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
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Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

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